Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, praise is a fundamental aspect of worship and devotion that is required of all people, regardless of their social or economic status. The Scriptures emphasize that both the high and the low are called to offer praise to God, acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and mercy.Biblical Foundation The call for universal praise is rooted in the understanding that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Psalm 148 is a quintessential passage that illustrates this concept, as it calls upon all creation to praise the Lord. Verses 11-13 specifically highlight the inclusivity of this call: "kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth, young men and maidens, old and young together. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens" . This passage underscores that both the high (kings and princes) and the low (young men and maidens) are equally obligated to praise God. Praise from the High Those in positions of authority and influence, such as kings, rulers, and leaders, are not exempt from the duty of praise. In fact, their position often amplifies their responsibility to lead by example in worship. The Bible provides numerous examples of leaders who praised God, such as King David, who is renowned for his psalms of praise. In 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, David offers a prayer of praise, acknowledging God's greatness and sovereignty: "Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. David said: 'Blessed are You, O LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours'" . Praise from the Low The call to praise is equally binding upon those of humble means or lower social standing. The Bible frequently highlights the praise offered by those who might be considered lowly in the eyes of the world. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies this in her Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46-55, where she praises God for His mighty deeds and His favor upon the humble: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant" . Universal Praise The universality of praise is further emphasized in Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, which calls all nations and peoples to praise the Lord: "Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol Him, all you peoples! For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Hallelujah!" . This psalm reinforces the idea that praise is not limited by nationality, status, or any other human distinction. Theological Implications The obligation of praise for both high and low reflects the biblical principle of the equality of all people before God. It serves as a reminder that all are dependent on God's grace and mercy, and all are called to respond with gratitude and worship. This universal call to praise also points to the ultimate purpose of creation, which is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 148:1,11Praise you the LORD. Praise you the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christians, Temples of the Living God Church Fabrics and Services. The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple Covenanting a Duty. False Teachings of the Apostasy. The Political Constitution of Egypt The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... The General Conference of 1828 Resources Why is praising God important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are hymns? What is the value of hymns in worship? | GotQuestions.org What are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.org Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) |